Volume 12, Issue 21 — November 10, 2015
|
Industry News Projection Control & Signal Processing Cables, Furniture, Mounts, Racks, Screens and Accessories Audio Lighting TVs Media Players, Recording & Distribution
|
|
Best of CEDIA 2015 AwardsWelcome to the 2015 Best of CEDIA Awards! This year’s CEDIA Expo, was held in Dallas, TX and was the largest show in over five years. At the show, CEDIA launched its new branding, which looked great, it was Vin Bruno’s first CEDIA as the organization’s CEO and the show saw more than 18,700 attendees.
Here is the list of award winners from rAVe that represent the BEST of this year’s CEDIA EXPO.
Each link below is a video we shot of the product from CEDIA and you can hear each winner describing the product in their own words. If you missed anything from this year’s show, we shot over 670 product videos, over 500 photos and posted more than 200 news stories and blogs. It all lives here on the 2015 CEDIA EXPO MicroSite.
Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
Design And Consultation Retainers
By Lee Distad rAVe Columnist
To me, the thing that stands out the most as the biggest difference between residential and commercial AV is the approach to starting new projects. Specifically, I mean the bid process in commercial/institutional AV versus the design retainer in residential.
It speaks to a different dynamic, not least of which is that the buying process and the decision making is very different between institutional procurement personnel and homeowners/end users. It’s a mark of the residential channel that AV pros position themselves as not chasing after every potential customer.
I’ll concede that some do, but those are the companies that seldom last more than their first couple of years in business. The ones that survive that hungry, chase-every-rabbit phase very quickly evolve into a more focused business model.
An established business needs to decide what their brand image is. Who is the customer? What size of projects are in the sweet spot? As a company evolves, collecting design fees helps solidify that brand image in that market. Most importantly, design fees screen potential prospects. Veteran AV pros know that not everybody is the customer they’re looking for.
Hooray for the free market: Customers are free to pick their contractors, and contractors are free to pick their clients. Design fees go a long way towards helping avoid potential conflicts before both contractor and client are stuck with each other. As my old boss and mentor said to me, “If someone is going to be a weasel over a $300 deposit, they’re never going to play ball on a $20,000 job. You’re better off finding that out now rather than later.”
As always, he was right.
It’s not just about weeding out and identifying quality prospects. Design fees help cover some of the overhead when it comes to doing important design work prior to landing the project. Time is money, and in order to justify your company’s position as experts in the field, your time has to be valuable.
How design fees are calculated varies a lot, but there are some common themes. One discreet, but very high end shop in Calgary that’s been in business for decades charges a $1,000 fee for the initial consultation, with a further design retainer of 2 percent of the total project size collected if the client green-lights the project. It’s also typical for AV pros to credit the initial retainer towards the project upon green-lighting, but there are exceptions.
For companies whose project size is a mix of small and medium as well as large sized projects, it’s not typical to have two fee structures — one for smaller jobs, and one for larger. In one case, one dealer I know charges $499 to create a proposal for single-room AV projects, and 3 percent of the estimated job cost for whole-home projects.
It’s typical that AV pros in that bracket like having a number of small, simple, easy to complete projects on the go at any one time, as they provide good, profitable cash flow while waiting for progress payments on the enormous, years-long projects.
It’s certainly been the experience of both myself and AV pros I’ve spoken with that after instituting design fees, their business increases: They spend less time making unsuccessful pitchers, and they close more, higher price tag projects. Indeed, as their business progresses, they’ve raised their retainers every year or two, and clients have still happily paid them.
In the past I’ve known it was time for us to re-examine our retainers when high net-worth clients either didn’t blink at the dollar figures or dismissively hand-waved at the sums. In one memorable instance the client misheard me and said, “OK, but I’ve got to transfer some funds. I don’t think I have $40,000 [of] room on my credit card right now.”
Stunned, it took me a moment to recover and tell her that no, I said $4,000. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
Grant Stewart, President and CEO of Stewart Filmscreen, Dies
On Tuesday, Oct. 27, CEO and president of Stewart Filmscreen, Grant Stewart, died at age 60 after a battle with cancer. A third-generation leader of Stewart Filmscreen, Grant was the grandson of Stewart Filmscreen founder Roy Stewart. Under Grant’s leadership, the company developed products such as the Director’s Choice line of screens, the award-winning LuminEsse “edgeless” rigid front projection system, and the value-positioned Cima line.
Grant is survived by his wife Mary, who retains ownership of the company, their two children, father Pat and the rest of the Stewart family. Grant’s cousins, Tom and Don Stewart, will work with Mary to guide day-to-day operations.
“During this difficult time, we would like to thank all our employees, reps, dealers, and supporters for their many years of devotion to the Stewart product line and to the Stewart family, in particular,” said Don Stewart. “Wednesday was a sad day in our company’s history. We have lost a great leader, an innovator in the industry, a devoted family member, and a close friend. We ask you to please keep Grant’s family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through the grieving process.
At this time, a public memorial service is not planned. In lieu of flowers and other sentiments, contributions can be made in Grant Stewart’s name to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Tex. or to the U.S. Biathlon Team, in New Gloucester, Maine. Specific information about donation options or other aspects of this announcement can be obtained from Katye (McGregor) Bennett of KMB Communications, Inc. by emailing katye@kmbcomm.com or phoning (425) 328-8640.
Stewart Filmscreen is here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
|
Sony Intros New Flagship 4K Projector in VPL-VW5000ESSony Electronics last month introduced the VPL‑W5000ES, a 5,000-lumen 4K SXRDTM laser light source projector. Sony’s new reference-quality unit is the first projector designed specifically for home cinema use that features 4K resolution powered by a laser light engine that provides 5,000 lumens of brightness, is compatible with High Dynamic Range (HDR), emulates the new BT.2020 color gamut, and covers the full DCI color space.
The VPL-VW5000ES covers the full DCI-P3 color gamut. By taking advantage of its professional calibration tools the VPL-VW5000ES allows the user to choose to emulate the BT.2020 color space, as well. This ensures compatibility with upcoming home video formats. And by bringing together high brightness, infinite dynamic contrast and the latest signal processing technology, the VPL-VW5000ES provides compatibility with High Dynamic Range (HDR), enabling the viewer to see wider ranges of contrast and colors than ever before.
Sony’s Motionflow feature reduces blur and maintains brightness and VPL-VW5000ES’ extremely fast imagers allow viewing of fast action content — especially sporting events — with great smoothness, even with 4K signals. Along with HDR and BT.2020 capabilities, the VPL-VW5000ES also includes an HDMI input that is HDCP 2.2 compatible. That same input has enough bandwidth to accept 4K 60p signals up to YCbCr 4:4:4 8bit or YCbCr 4:2:2 12bit, thus helping to ensure that the VPL-VW5000ES is prepared to handle all types of video content now and in the future.
The VPL-VW5000ES can be tilted as much as 30 degrees, allowing for flexible installations that take advantage of mirrors to place larger screens in smaller spaces, such as rear projection. Thanks to a newly developed liquid cooling system with low noise operation, the projector can also be located near viewers without impacting the enjoyment of a program’s audio. The unit ships with a standard powered lens with a zoom ratio from 1.27 to 2.73:1 and lens shift capability of +/- 80 percent vertical and +/- 31 percent horizontal.
Benefits of the VPL-VW5000ES laser light engine include fast on/off times with no waiting for the projector to cool down, which means you can immediately turn it back on to resume binge-watching your favorite show. The light engine delivers a long operational life with a linear decrease in brightness, so the color shifts seen with traditional lamp wear are not expected. But if the color settings do shift over time, the VPL-VW5000ES includes a built-in re-calibration function that can be used to test how much the projector has drifted from its original factory calibration and reset it.
The VPL-VW5000ES will ship in Spring 2016 and list for $60,000. Here are the details.
Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
Savant Debuts Savant App
Savant last week announced the Savant App, a new technology that allows homeowners to control its lighting, climate, entertainment, and security system from a single app in both iOS and Android.
Among the app’s unique capabilities are Savant Scenes, which allow homeowners to easily create, capture, and schedule “scenes” that incorporate multiple systems at once. When the perfect song is on, the lights are low, and everything feels right, users can capture the moment and relive it any time with just one touch. Users can also personalize settings for specific rooms and services — like scheduling the house to warm before you wake up, streaming different songs to separate rooms, or setting the lights to turn off when you’re away.
With Savant Plus — a cloud service — homeowners will get full remote access to their Savant system, just as if they were sitting in their living room. Customers will also be able to receive personalized, real-time alerts via email or push notification if something is amiss. Whether customers want to know if a door is open or the house is too hot, Savant Plus makes this easy in the new app.
In addition, Savant is releasing an updated line of wired and Wi-Fi controllers that give flexibility to installers and let customers integrate existing home features – such as garage doors, fireplaces, whirlpools and more – into their Savant Home. The new product line will be available on November 10 and cost around $1,000 list. More details are here. Back to Top |
Extron Ships 4K HDMI Twisted Pair Transmitters with Input Loop-ThroughExtron has started shipping its DTP T HD2 4K 230 and DTP T HD2 4K 330, transmitters for sending HDMI with embedded audio, and bidirectional RS-232 and IR signals over a shielded CATx cable to Extron DTP-enabled products. The DTP T HD2 4K 230 extends signals up to 230 feet (70 meters), while the DTP T HD2 4K 330 extends signals up to 330 feet (100 meters). Both models provide one HDMI input with loop-through to support local monitoring of digital video, and one DTP output. They support video signals at resolutions up to 4K, including 1080p/60 Deep Color. The transmitters offer many integrator-friendly features such as EDID Minder, Key Minder, bidirectional RS-232 and IR pass-through for remote AV device control, and compatibility with HDBaseT-enabled devices.
The DTP T HD2 4K 230 and DTP T HD2 4K 330 offer several integrator-friendly features such as a buffered HDMI input loop-through for local monitor support or system expansion. They also provide automatic input equalization which conditions incoming HDMI signals to compensate for signal loss over long input cables. Automatic color bit depth management based on the display EDID prevents color compatibility conflicts between the source and display. To streamline installation, the transmitters can be remotely powered by Extron DTP-enabled products over the twisted pair cable. In addition, the DTP T HD2 4K 230 and DTP T HD2 4K 330 offer an HDBaseT output mode that is compatible with any HDBaseT-enabled display.
Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
RTI’s KX3 In-Wall Controller ShipsRemote Technologies Incorporated (RTI) is shipping the KX3 3.5-inch in-wall touch panel keypad. Designed for residential and commercial AV applications, it includes a 3.5-inch color touchscreen, a proximity sensor to wake up the unit as a user approaches, and room status LEDs to indicate a room’s availability for a meeting. Increased installation flexibility comes from a number of features including wired 10/100 Base-T Ethernet and wireless Ethernet capabilities for viewing video from network security cameras and performing remote programming updates. Also equipped with a control processor, future firmware updates will enable benefits such as direct two-way control via IP and RS232, as well as an astronomical clock for time-based events and an embedded 2.4 GHz ZigBee antenna for connectivity with RTI wireless remotes.
RTI’s KX3 details are here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Comprehensive Announces Pro AV/IT 1×4 4K HDMI Splitter with CEC SystemComprehensive just debuted its Pro AV/IT 1×4 4K splitter with CEC system reset and EDID capability. Dubbed the CDA-HD400EK, it is designed to distribute 4K video (12-bit color capable) to four simultaneous HDMI outputs from a single HDMI input. Comprehensive says it also supports 3D with resolutions up to 4Kx2K at 30Hz.
With selectable EDID settings the source unit responds to the user’s chosen settings for resolution and color and the CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) system reset feature allows user command and control when the device is switched “On,” the unit will automatically switch all connected displays to the HDMI Input 1 — every eight to 10 minutes.
Some other features:
- Supports Ultra-HD resolutions of up to 4K @30Hz
- HDMI and DVI compatible (with DVI adapter)
- Supports 3D, LPCM 7.1CH, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio
- 12-bit Deep Color and High Definition Lossless Audio
- CEC System reset and EDID selection functions
Here are all the tech specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Sony Launches New Flagship ES ReceiverSony has announced the STR-ZA5000ES, a new ES receiver with 130 watts x 9 channels that supports routing 4K Ultra HD signals. The ZA5000ES is the first ES receiver compatible with both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Using two additional amplifiers, these formats can support up to 11.1 channels of sound for the latest object-oriented audio sources that are now available from a growing number of platforms. The receiver also supports a long list of legacy surround formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.
The ZA5000ES incorporates powerful DSP technology which utilizes a high speed clock to achieve unprecedented operational efficiency. A high performance 32-bit floating point processor is also used to optimize signal processing, along with shorter signal paths to reduce impedance and interference from digital noise. All of these processors are mounted, together with a high-grade electrolytic capacitor, on the receiver’s power line to ensure an ample supply of clean power and optimal performance.
To complement this, the ZA5000ES includes Sony’s latest D.C.A.C. EX technology with a new feature called Speaker Relocation. This compensates for less than ideal listening environments by closely simulating the sound field produced by optimally positioned and angled speakers.
The ZA5000ES includes six HDMI inputs and two outputs that provide full HDCP 2.2 compliance and supports the latest 4K 60P (4:4:4) Ultra HD content. It can also distribute both 4K video and multi-channel audio simultaneously to two different zones. Unlike conventional receivers, the ZA5000ES is even compatible with the new BT.2020 wide color gamut standard for future applications.
Additionally, the ZA5000ES can upscale video to 4K 24P and is one of the first receivers that can support High Dynamic Range (HDR) sources. A special test pattern is also included for verifying 4K connectivity.
In addition, an eight-port Ethernet hub is included on the receiver’s back panel, along with two Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports. A full complement of digital and analog inputs are also provided, along with redesigned gold-plated speaker terminals that support the latest audiophile cables.
The STR-ZA5000ES will ship spring 2016 and list for $2,799. It will, eventually, be on the website here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Click above to learn more
|
Clare Controls CLIQ.miniClare Controls latest control system is promoted as an affordable system that does lighting, door and garage locks, thermostats, CCTV cameras and entertainment control. The CLIQ.mini is a cloud-based that receives power and connectivity via a single wire, and communicates wirelessly via Z-Wave and Wi-Fi, as well as wired via IP. By utilizing a single wire solution, integrators reduce installation time, lower the chance of commissioning and maintenance errors and reduce time spent on troubleshooting and repairs. Single wire installation also makes this unit ideal for retrofit applications. Since the system is cloud-based, programmers can handle configuration and maintenance remotely, minimizing truck rolls.
The CLIQ.mini’s compact design and wireless connectivity provides installation flexibility that allows it to be mounted to a standard telephone wall plate, installed in a closet, or in racks and structured wire enclosures. The controller can also be used in freestanding retrofit applications by simply plugging it in and placing it on any flat surface. The price point, compact design, and seamless installation make the CLIQ.mini enticing to builders for new construction opportunities.
Clare Controls is simultaneously releasing support for Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) featuring auto-discover capabilities for Clare cameras, Sonos and Sony products, requiring no additional equipment or licensing fees. Additionally, the controller is supported by over 1,000 traditional device drivers. The CLIQ.mini will be available through the Clare Controls dealer channel and will list for $1,000.
Here are all the specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
New Symmetry Series Brackets from Premier Offer 10 Degrees of Tilt at an Affordable PricePremier Mounts is now shipping its affordable Symmetry Series Tilt Brackets, the SYM-DB-TB, which have up to 10° of continuous downward tilt, and can be configured with any Symmetry Series installation.
The Symmetry Series line is a configurable solution that Premier says reduces installation time by over 40 percent compared to single display mounting solutions. It is designed for single and multi-site deployments where a repeatable installation is important, and offers a variety of benefits including:
- Easy, two component design using an interface bar and a set of display brackets
- Versatile for wall, stand and ceiling installations
- One system that can be configured to fit a wide variety of digital signage needs, including video walls, digital menu boards and transportation
Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Just Add Power Ships 3G Ultra HD Over IP Converter
Officially launched at CEDIA 2015, Just Add Power’s new 3G Ultra HD over IP “platform” claims to provide a video matrixing of 4K signals via HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 1.x sources to any combination of HDMI 2.0 and 1.x screens over a Gigabit network and Cat 5e/6 cabling infrastructure. By using Just Add Power’s 3G Ultra HD over IP transmitters and receivers alongside a Layer 3 Gigabit Managed switch, integrators can build any size of 4K-capable / HDCP 2.2-compliant HDMI matrix and be guaranteed that each integrated screen will display source content in the highest resolution at a color bit depth of 4:2:0 — so there is some color bandwidth limitation.
Designed for home routing projects where integrators have full-resolution capable 4K / HDMI 2.0 TVs in the primary viewing zones but legacy 1080p / 720p TVs elsewhere such as in bathrooms and pool areas, the 3G Ultra HD over IP transmitters and receivers can be deployed alongside a Gigabit managed switch to make a 4K source device with HDCP 2.2, such as the Sony FMP-X10 UHD player, Red Ray 4K player or NVidia Shield, be simultaneously viewed in 2160p (4K UltraHD) on 4K displays, in 1080p on Full HD displays, and in lower resolutions on earlier HD TVs. All scaling and HDCP handling is carried out by Just Add Power’s 3G receivers, located behind each screen. And, the scaling is bi-directional, meaning that the 3G receivers can downscale a 4K signal with HDCP 2.2 to 1080p or lower for viewing on HDMI 1.x screens and also upscale a Full HD 1080p or lower signal from any HDMI 1.x device, outputting it at a maximum of 4K 2160p for viewing on 4K TVs.
Some other features of the platform include:
- Build any size of network of HDMI devices, with video matrixing applications possible from as small 2×2 to as big as 4000×65000
- In addition to video matrixing, it can also be used point to point to extend one HDMI 2.0 or 1.x source to distances of 330ft over Cat 5e/6 cable or can be used to split HDMI 2.0 or 1.x one source to multiple displays
- Input 2160p Ultra HD resolutions up to 60Hz 4:2:0- HDMI 2.0 devices with HDCP 2.2 is supported
- Instant seamless switching between any resolution HDMI source (2160, 1080, 720, 576, 480, interlaced or progressive)
- Mix and match legacy HD monitors with new HDMI 2.0 monitors in the same network thanks to seamless
- HDCP conversion
- Supports uncompressed lossless multi-channel Audio formats including Dolby Atmos, Dolby True HD and DTS: X
- Supports PCM 2.0 audio
- Dolby down-mixing from 5.1- 5.1 compressed audio can optionally be converted to Dolby PLII and output as stereo 2.0 in individual zones
- Stereo compressed audio extractor with programmable delay on TX and RX
- Controllable analog audio with ground loop isolator
- MIC-IN and LINE-IN ports on Transmitter (mix w/HDMI)
- Independent RS232 matrix on LAN
- Integrated Null-Modem on RS232
- Two-Way CEC over IP Communications
- USB 2.0 over IP supported for KVM applications
All the tech specs are here.
Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Primacoustic Paintables Now Available in Room Kit CombinationsPrimacoustic is making the Paintables version of its London 8 and London 10 room kits. These kits include everything you need to turn any room into a studio or home theater.
Designed to address acoustical concerns that are common to all rooms, London kits help control primary reflections, flutter echo and excessive bass. Panels are mounted using Impalers that eliminate the use of wall-damaging glue. The London room kits include all the necessary hardware including wall anchors, screws and even a drill bit, for a quick and easy installation. Each acoustic panel is made from high density 6lb glass wool for even absorption and the panels are edge-treated with resin and then fully encapsulated with micromesh to prevent dusting.
Originally available in a choice of grey, beige and black fabric coating, the new Paintables are now available in pre-painted Absolute White. Unique is the ability to lightly spray paint the panels without disturbing the acoustic properties.
As with all Primacoustic panels, the Paintables have been independently tested for acoustic performance and to achieve stringent Class-A fire ratings, making them safe for use in all types of installations in all jurisdictions around the world. The Paintables London 8 and London 10 kits are $229.99 and $499.99, respectively.
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
AtlasIED Launched Network-Controllable Mixer AmplifiersAtlasIED just released the DPA Series network mixer amplifiers. The DPA Series provides four output channel amplifiers with three models delivering up to 600-watts per channels. Each model can be used in two-channel 70.7V, four-channel 4Ω, or 3-channel 70.7V and 4Ω configurations making them incredibly flexible for a variety of installation types. AtlasIED says that internal digital signal processing allows each model to be customized to maximize its performance. The DSP software is embedded in the amplifier and is accessible via a web user interface. DSP adjustments include I/O routing, high and low pass filters, EQ, output level adjustment, delay and limiter. Additionally, input mute for both audio sense and contact closure, level control link assignments, and port assignment and output impedance can be configured in the software. Site manager software is available that allows network administrators to see all DPA amplifiers on the network for easy identification, set-up and troubleshooting if necessary.
There are three models, so far — the DPA602 is two by 300 watts, the DPA1202 is two by 600 watts and the DPA2402 is two by 1200 watts. All of the specs are here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Artison Ships Industry’s Smallest Subwoofer
Artison is shipping its first freestanding subwoofer — the RCC Nano 1 — as of today. The Nano 1 subwoofer is $999 and the wireless transmitter is available for $99. The RCC Nano 1 measures only 7.5” x 8” x 9” including feet and grilles and claims to produce 300-watts — the equivalent of an 8” woofer.
Outfitted with variable crossovers and dual active 6.5” long throw aluminum drivers, the Nano 1 is designed to generate omni-directional, low-frequency sound waves. The Nano 1 incorporates reactance cancelling (vibration free) design, which insures not only frequency response, but also secure placement — they say that’s crucial in a freestanding speaker. Constructed of 6061 T6 Aluminum, the Nano’s enclosure is both rigid and thin, which are both highly desirable subwoofer characteristics.
The new Artison RCC Nano 1 subwoofer boasts a wide range of features and benefits, including:
- Built-in wireless input
- High-level inputs
- Low level Inputs
- 12 volt trigger
- Auto-sensing
- Multi-voltage power supply
- Digital phase shift
- Variable crossover
- All aluminum enclosure (Black or White Finish)
- Dual active 6.5” long throw aluminum drivers
- RCC Reactance Cancelling Configuration (Vibration Free)
- Adsorption damping
- Hidden inputs for a clean look
- 300 watt amplifier
- IR control window and hardwire input
- 32Hz – 160 Hz
- 7.5”(190.5mm) W x 8”(203.2mm) H (including feet) x 9” (228.6)D (including grilles)
Here are the details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Nuvo Software Update Makes It 100 Percent Wi-FiLegrand announced at CEDIA Expo a new software for its Nuvo Player Portfolio system, making its multiroom wireless system less expensive and easier to install. The new software, version 3.0, eliminates the need for the system’s Gateway, enabling the system’s P100, P200 and P300 wireless players to connect directly to a home’s existing WiFi router. A step-by-step setup wizard is included in the software to simplify installation, which is all completed by way of the app. Users will also need to download a free update to their iOS or Android app from the App Store or Google Play.
Nuvo’s wireless player components are Wi-Fi certified and the new software supports direct communication between the players and any Wi-Fi Certified dual band router. The new software will have no affect on those systems currently employing the Gateway. Werder was quick to add that a system can also operate with a combination of Gateway connected devices and devices connected wirelessly directly to the home’s router.
The Nuvo Player Portfolio System provides direct streaming from personal music collections and Internet radio services including Sirius XM, Pandora, Rhapsody and recently added iHeartRadio. The system, which can accommodate up to 16 zones, is controlled through the Player Portfolio App available for Apple and Android mobile devices.
Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
Lutron Electronics Introduces Larger, Battery-Powered Shading Solution With Sivoia QS Triathlon WIDR Roller ShadesLutron Electronics today announced the Sivoia QS Triathlon WIDR roller shades. These large, battery-powered shades are designed to integrate with the RadioRA 2 and HomeWorks QS whole-home control systems. Sivoia QS Triathlon WIDR can also be used as a standalone solution, easily controlled using a remote or the Lutron mobile app.
The new Triathlon WIDR roller shades are available in sizes from 20 1/2” wide x 12” tall up to 12’ wide x 12’ tall, which provides greater functionality and fashion to homes with larger windows. These shades come in a wide variety of beautiful fabric colors and textures to meet the needs of larger spaces, such as family rooms or sunrooms – all controlled with a touch of a button. As an extension of the Triathlon family, the Triathlon WIDR roller shades boast several superior operational benefits, including:
- Superior Motion — Smooth motion for the entire travel of the shade, including stops and starts.
- Adjacent shades track together and maintain perfect alignment.
- Smallest Roll-Up Diameter — No more than a 3” roll up for a 12’ x 12’ shade – the smallest in the industry
- Redesigned Headrail — Sleek new headrail design for use without fascia in contemporary spaces
One of the unique features of the Triathlon WIDR is that it is available with a Battery Boost option, which Lutron claims enhances battery life by up to 80 percent for any battery-powered roller shades that are 38” and wider. Lutron’s Battery Boost uses alkaline balancing technology to improve the efficiency of standard D-cell batteries in an RF shading system- providing up to six years of performance. It is ideal for shades in hard to reach places and will reduce the number of callbacks for dealers.
The Battery Boost has a starting list price of $70 and is available now. Sivoia QS Wireless Triathlon WIDR roller shades have a starting list price of $1,065 and will be available in October 2015.
Here are more details. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Basalte’s Sentido Might be the Best Looking Light Switch, EverSentido is an elegant keypad with a European design that we think is the best looking light switch ever. This touch-sensitive light switch integrates with Lutron Homeworks QS and uses metal finishes in combination with the advanced touch technology offer a haptic experience. The square-shaped light switch is divided into two or four equal surfaces, each surface with its different functions.
Both versions of the Sentido are available in various finishes including brushed aluminum, brushed black, brushed grey, satin white or the classic series bronze, fer forgé, brushed brass and brushed nickel. The entire switch is touch-sensitive creating an easy way of control and a unique user experience. Touching more than one surface at the same time turns on and off all the lights in a room using a general scene. This multi-touch function makes light control more user-friendly.
Touching multi-touch for a longer period starts a unique scene sequencer function, which allows selecting up to four additional scenes. This intelligent light switch also has an internal temperature sensor that discretely reports the room temperature to any home automation system. And, a multi-color LED backlight can be used for status feedback or simply to light up Sentido in the dark.
You should go see them for yourself here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
Lutron Electronics Expands Ivalo Collection of Architectural LED FixturesLutron Electronics has introduced new additions to its Ivalo Collection of high-end Architectural LED Fixtures. These new upgrades offer added custom options for high-end residential and architectural applications and Lutron is guaranteeing flicker-free 1 percent dimming.
The Finiré 3″ LED Recessed Lighting has expanded its range of field changeable beam spreads from 15 degree narrow spot to 60 degree wide flood. Architects, specifiers and lighting designers can now design a space with Finiré for any application including high ceiling applications that require narrower optics- with high light output or accent lighting that requires narrow spot optics.
The new Finiré products are also available with a trimless pinhole, upgrading the aesthetics of this line with a cleaner look and smaller opening in the ceiling. Lastly, the Finiré line will be offered with a wall wash lens. This lens paired with the adjustable fixture option spreads the light in a horizontal direction providing continuous soft lighting to evenly illuminate walls.
The Ivalo Pendant & Sconce Family is designed to be an architectural element. With the LED option, the Ivalo collection now comes in a 3000K color temperature option in addition to 2700K and 3500K. This option still maintains the warm, intimate setting of a room, but brings a slightly whiter light for added design options and preference. Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, this added color temperature allows designers, specifiers and architects to customize the atmosphere and aesthetics of a room.
Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
ClearView Ships Hidden Reflections Mirror-TVClearView is shipping its Hidden Reflections LCD HDTV. Designed with a depth of only 1” and for mirrors from 7” to 80”, the Hidden Reflections line includes a rear-mounted 17” HDTV.
Hidden Reflections TV mirrors can be modified for any specific design application with a variety of sizes and shapes, including edge options such as framed, sandblasted, flat, rounded and beveled. Electric options include speakers, lighting, wall control, motion sensor and IR light indicator.
More information is here. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
Epiphan Debuts AV.io SDI Video CaptureEpiphan Video just unveiled a new product in its AV.io line of video grabbers. AV.io SDI is a new portable video “grabber” that’s designed to capture 3G-SDI, HD-SDI and SD-SDI sources and transmit them to your computer via USB.
Epiphan claims the AV.io SDI is a “simple” SDI capture card as it doesn’t need any special drivers installed on your computer – plug it in to your USB port and out comes SDI. Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems automatically detect AV.io SDI. It’s also compatible with Skype, Wirecast and QuickTime.
The AV.io SDI captures uncompressed Full HD video (1080p) at 60fps and it’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand (in an aluminum enclosure).
Here are the tech specs. Leave a Comment
Share Article
Back to Top |
|
For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe HomeAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100% opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the high-end HomeAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
Don’t like us, then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below.
To send me feedback, don’t reply to this newsletter – instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas: Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue – which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe Publications has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA, launched in February, 2004.
To read more about my background, our team, and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top |
Copyright 2015 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – 919/969-7501. Email: sara@ravepubs.com
rAVe HomeAV Edition contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |
|
|
|